The First Female Superstar to Out-Earn Bollywood’s Biggest Names

Sridevi, one of India’s most celebrated actresses, was once the highest-paid actor in the country, surpassing industry giants like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Rajinikanth. In the 1990s, she became the first female star to charge ₹1 crore per film, setting a precedent for gender pay parity in Bollywood.  

Rise to Stardom and Record-Breaking Earnings  
- Sridevi’s career spanned multiple film industries, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, making her India’s first true pan-India star.  
- For the 1993 film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, she charged ₹1 crore, a fee that was higher than most male actors at the time.  
- By the mid-90s, even as Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan joined the ₹1 crore club, Sridevi had already surpassed their earnings.  

Industry Impact and Gender Pay Parity  
- During the early 90s, Bollywood’s leading male stars, including the three Khans—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir—were charging between ₹50-75 lakh per film.  
- Sridevi’s dominance in the industry forced a shift in how female actors were valued, paving the way for future actresses to demand higher pay.  
- Her ability to headline films independently, without relying on male co-stars, contributed to her financial success.  

Unexpected Retirement and Legacy  
- At the peak of her career, Sridevi announced her retirement in 1996 at the age of 33, following her marriage to producer Boney Kapoor.  
- Her last film before her hiatus was Judaai in 1997, after which she focused on raising her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor.  
- She made a triumphant return to cinema with English Vinglish in 2012, followed by critically acclaimed performances in Mom and Puli.  

Future Outlook and Industry Reflections  
- Sridevi’s legacy continues to inspire discussions on gender pay parity in Bollywood, especially as actresses like Deepika Padukone push for higher remuneration.  
- Her contributions to Indian cinema remain unparalleled, with her films still celebrated for their storytelling and performances.  
- The industry continues to evolve, but Sridevi’s impact on Bollywood’s financial landscape remains a defining chapter in its history.  

Source: DNA India, News18, Hindustan Times.